The Demon Sword: Sorataki

Chapter 17: The dragons scales

21st/7th/2764, 11:54PM

"There is no need for both of us to stay awake so go get some rest," Andrew said calmly under the crackling sound of the glowing campfire. 

His legs crossed and eyes closed as if meditating. 

"You and I both know that I need less of that than you do," Natalie said.

It has been a full day and a half since Andrew was informed about the likelihood of a star of halo being near his mother's home town. Since that moment they have left the sandy village of Zannidue for the greener marshes to the south. Having been running nearly a full day in heist they rest to the mercy of fatigue.  

Andrew however although tired remained somewhat restless. Though he tried hard not to show it his body could not help but point southwards to where his old home was. To where his mother was.

"I can't sleep; it's the reason why I offered to stand watch," He replied. "Besides..." turning around he looks to the back of himself, eyes filled with conflict.

Within the outskirts of the campfires bubble of emulation laid both Flynn and Sophie sound asleep in their caps. "I was not sure whether you are willing to share your differences with them,"

Natalie seeing his point just looked upon their new travel partners with troubled eyes.

"It's good to know that they are looking into the same thing as we are, but still, we hardly know them," he continued.

Natalie griping the earth under her fingers turned back to the fire to tucking her knees over her chest.

"I don't think it would be much of a problem. Them knowing about me I mean," she whispered between her legs.

Something about her reply bothered Andrew. Although he is grateful to have more minds on this matter he could not help but find it odd how easy it was to convince Natalie to have them tag along.

It just did not seem like her.

"Ten years huh?" she sighs.

Andrew's eyes softened to this sentence as he thinks about his mother. Or rather what little of her he remembers before going off with his father all those years ago.

"I still remember her face a little," Andrew said, a mixture of nostalgia and guilt shaped his features.

"That's good," she said, hugging her legs a little tighter.

Andrew realising what he may have done perked up somewhat defensively.

"Sorry! I didn't mean it like-" he raffled before being interrupted.

"Tell me more about your mother Trisha, what is she like?"

"Pardon?" he replied in confusion, more surprised by how she still remember his mother's names after making it his job not to talk about her since she lost her own. 

"Tell me about Aqua falls," she continued. "about rivers that wash over the slops, about towns people that live off the land. I want to hear more about the home you once lived in." 

He pauses to look at her futures aluminate by the flames. Seeing that Natalie was unbothered by his inclusion of his mother to the topic he looked into the camp fire to recollect her. 

"Honestly, what's gotten into you today?" he sighed in defeat. "Fine! I'll talk, but only about one of those things, my memory is a bit hazy about the town itself," he said before closing his eyes trying to best remember.

His deepest memories that even he denied himself access to.

"What's there to tell? Nothing flashy really comes to mind. She was just there for me, gentle and caring. Use to always treat me with a sweet drink after I finished my dinners. Grape soda quickly became my favourite,"