The The Melian Revelation
Episode 13's

The sun had not yet risen when Vrey and Aelwen left the tavern. At dinner last night, Vrey had said everything he wanted to say. It would be easier to leave without repeating the farewell, so he left without waking up his friends.

They walked down the streets of the city that was muddled by the rain last night. Morning dew mixed with a thin mist did not block his steps. The big bag on his back felt like a heavy burden that was lingering in his heart. Soon they arrived at the gate on Mildryd's open south side.

Vrey looked back. He stared fixedly at the city where he had lived since childhood. The roof of the Wild Cat Shop was nowhere to be seen as the small building was located far from the city gate. For a moment, Vrey stood there, drowning in his memories.

Aelwen breaks Vrey's daydream. “It's time to go,” he said.

Vrey nodded without letting go of his gaze from the city. “After returning from Falthemnar five years ago, I never thought I would leave this place again. Times

this is either I won't be back again or not ..”

“It won't happen!” sahut Aelwen was firm. “We cannot predict what will happen. But I'm sure we'll go back to this town.” He looked at Vrey sharply. “I'll accompany you until we get the Nymph's Cloak. You helped me when I was stranded in this town. Now it's my turn,” he continued. Aelwen stretched out her hand at Vrey and smiled, not the sweet and meek smile that Vrey used to see, but a smile that was so soothing and confident.

Vrey was surprised, Aelwen looks so tough today. Slightly hesitant, Vrey welcomed his helping hand. They walked together leaving the city gate. Cloudy clouds coated the sky above Mildryd, protecting them from the sunlight. Together they walked down a large road that lay outside the city for nearly two hours before boarding a merchant train they met. In front of the big road leading to another village, then they both went down. It was past noon. They stopped for lunch and rested.

“We've covered a decent distance.” Aelwen opens the map of Clyde's giving. “Our position is now roughly here,” he added while pointing to a location on the map.

But only to the extent that they can enjoy the convenience. Because as far as the village, not many trains pass. In seasons like this, trains heading to or coming from Granville are extremely rare. They should continue on foot from now on.

“We are not so far from Mildryd,” Vrey said. “Around us there are still some small villages. So until later tonight we won't be in any danger. But from tomorrow, we will enter the territory of the uninhabited swamp. Aelwen, look at the map, is there any other way we can get to Granville? As much as possible I do not want to go through the main road after this,” he continued.

Aelwen watched the map carefully. “There should be some old routes that are rarely used, why?”

“We will be vulnerable to being attacked by robbers if we continue to walk on the main road. If we go through a small hidden path, our existence will not be too flashy,” Vrey explained.

Aelwen seemed doubtful. “But these streets seem to have been unused for a long time. There will be a daemon there. You sure?” tanyakanya.

“Nothing,” replied Vrey. “If we avoid the Dark Mist and start a fire, Daemon will not bother us. Instead on the big road, the flame actually tells our whereabouts to the robbers.”

“I think you're right.” Aelwen stood up, folded the map and carefully stored it into his bag.

“Come,” says Vrey. “We will use the old road from now on so that tomorrow we are used to it!”

They continue their journey through small streets that are almost lost in time. Aelwen used a map and compass to determine directions, while Vrey relied on the foresight of his eyes to search for the remains of a path among the weeds. They just stopped when the sun went down. This time the distance they traveled was not as good as they had expected.

Vrey uses magic to light a fire, while Aelwen sets up a tent. After that, they started cooking dinner—a wild squirrel that Vrey caught this afternoon.

Aelwen bites into the squirrel's flesh, then looks at the map. “The closest city we can reach, Kynan, is about a two-week drive from here. We can stop there later,” he explained.

Vrey leaned in to peek at the map in Aelwen's lap. “May too, but the rest of my money is not much. We can't stay there long.”

“I think we just need to buy some supplies. And who knows, if we're lucky there's a train we can take to Granville.”

“You're right.” Vrey liked the plan. “Fucking Gill basis! He couldn't wait another month or two before he kicked me out. It will be easier to find a ride to Granville.”

“It is precisely because of that,” said Aelwen laughed. “Now there are not many cars, so there are not many orders either. I think Gill picked the right time to tell you to leave, when she didn't need you.”

Vrey laughed wryly. He threw his back on the grass carpet. It was then that he realized the incredible sight that lay on it. The night sky is like a black canvas with a sprinkling of stars on its surface. He had never seen such a beautiful sky before. Vrey stunned.

“Aelwen, look up.”

Aelwen complied and was flabbergasted at the sight. “From the window in our room, the stars do not look as close and bright as this,” said Aelwen amazed.

Vrey laughed. “We're lucky tonight wasn't overcast, let alone raining. Otherwise, we might not enjoy a view like this. Tomorrow or the day after maybe we will not be so lucky again.”

“This, right, is already near the beginning of the planting season, I think the weather will be good all the way. Why are you always so bad-minded, anyway?” Aelwen furrowed next to his brows.

“I'm just being realistic!” vrey Sahut. Smile disappeared. “In this world, nothing is free. To get something we dream of, we have to lose something equally valuable. That's the rules of the game.” Vrey sat down and looked at his bag containing the Nymph's wings. “To get Nymph's Cloak, I had to leave my house. I will not be surprised if bad weather will be with me during this trip.”

Aelwen patted Vrey on the shoulder slowly. “Hey, we'll get that robe. I know we can.”

Vrey bowed to Aelwen's words, “I just remembered. I haven't apologized to you for my rudeness yesterday.”

“Already. I also wrongly broke my promise.”

“Ngak.” Vrey shook his head weakly. “I'm thankful that you told everyone. If Gill hadn't forced me, I might have given up.” Vrey looked up at the sky, letting the boundless darkness fill his gaze for a moment. “And you guys are right,” he continued, “The Nymph Cloak means a lot to me. Hunting that thing is like giving me a purpose in life for the past five years. I can't just let go of it.” Finished saying so, Vrey felt an unexpected relief, making him feel something stuck in his heart like yawning into the night sky. He took a deep breath and laid back his back on the grass

“I'm glad you trust me, Vrey.” Aelwen lay down and tilted his head towards Vrey.

For a moment Vrey felt as if he was retreating into the past. He remembered having experienced an event like this before, lying on a stretch of grass with someone beside him. That person also tilted his body until their face was so close and their breath was mixed. Vrey felt his chest tight, the memories with that person, who he had buried for a long time, suddenly appeared without being prevented.

“Yeah,” replied Vrey nervously. He spread his arms wide, pretending to yawn to hide his nervousness. “I too. It's night, we better get some rest. Our journey is still long.”